Who scored the winning goal for Fenerbahce against Liverpool?

Kosovo striker Vedat Muriqi scored the 78th-minute winning goal with a soaring header to clinch a 3-2 victory for Fenerbahçe.

Who manages Fenerbahce in the Champions League?

Former Liverpool cult hero Dirk Kuyt manages Fenerbahçe, leading them to victory against his former club.

How did Liverpool concede their lead in Istanbul?

Liverpool led 2-1 after Alexander Isak scored in the 69th minute, but conceded to Archie Brown in the 74th minute and Vedat Muriqi in the 78th minute during a frantic four-minute collapse.

Liverpool players react after Vedat Muriqi scores late winner for Fenerbahce in UEFA Champions League 3-2 thriller in Istanbul

Football

Fenerbahce Stun Liverpool 3-2 in Champions League

ByNarayan Adhikari November 6, 2026

Istanbul, Türkiye — Inside a deafening Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium on the shores of the Bosphorus, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe twice came from behind to stun Liverpool 3–2—inflicting the Reds’ first UEFA Champions League defeat of the 2026–27 campaign under the guidance of former Anfield favourite Dirk Kuyt.

The dramatic result marks a challenging week for Andoni Iraola’s side, following their narrow 1–0 home defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League just four days earlier.

Liverpool Twice Blow Advantage in Istanbul Cauldron

Andoni Iraola’s rotated Liverpool lineup settled quickly when 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni pounced on a loose defensive header to drill home his first senior goal in the 25th minute (0–1). That lead was erased four minutes later when Mason Greenwood’s deflected 29th-minute free-kick brought Fenerbahçe level at 1–1.

Looking to put the game out of reach, Iraola turned to his bench in the 66th minute, introducing Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo. The substitutions yielded immediate success as Gakpo provided a precision cross for Isak to steer Liverpool back in front at 1–2 in the 69th minute.

Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi Complete Epic Turnaround

However, Liverpool’s defensive structure unraveled in a chaotic four-minute spell under relentless Turkish pressure:

74th Minute (2–2): English full-back Archie Brown snuck in at the back post to tap in Fenerbahçe’s second equalizer after a scramble in the box.
78th Minute (3–2): As the Istanbul crowd roared, Kosovo international substitute Vedat Muriqi rose above Liverpool’s backline to bullet a flying header past the goalkeeper, sealing a famous 3–2 win.

Key Match Takeaways & Group Standings

Final Score: Fenerbahçe 3–2 Liverpool (Greenwood 29′, Brown 74′, Muriqi 78′; Nyoni 25′, Isak 69′).
First UCL Loss: Liverpool drop points for the first time in Europe this season after winning their opening three fixtures, while Fenerbahçe climb to 7 points in the 36-team table.